Infection control and workplace Saftey

Microbe

Organism that cannot be see with the naked eye. Pathogen is a microbe

Opportunistic microbes

Normal (resident) flora when they are in one part of the body but ca cause infection when in another part of the body (ex: E. Coli lives in intestines but can cause harm in the bladder)

Bacteria

Consists of one cell and reproduce by diving in half. Classified by shape, strain and the way they arrange in a colony. (Ex: Lyme disease) most common cause of infection in healthcare

Viruses

Infectious agents that can only replicate inside the cells of another organism (ex: HIV)

Parasites

Organism that live in a host like a plant or animal and benefits by deriving nutrients from the host (ex: lice)

Fungi

Group of plant like organisms classified together due to the characteristics of their cell walls (ex: mushrooms)

MDROs

Multidrug-resistant organisms are bacteria that have become resistant to one or more classes of antibiotics

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (infection is caused by a type of staph bacteria that’s become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections)

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus is an infection with bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotic called vancomycin (transmitted by contact with feces)

C-diff

Clostridioides Difficile is bacteria that causes diarrhea and colitis. It infects the large intestine (must wear PPE)

Mucous membranes

Helps protect us, epithelial tissues that lines many of the organ systems and is coated by mucous

Medical asepsis

Physically removing or killing pathogens

Antisepsis

Use of agents that kill microbes or slow down their growth (ex: alcohol wipes)

Sanitization

Physically removes microbes from surfaces (Handwashing)

Disinfection

Involves the use of stronger chemicals to kill pathogens (used to clean no living objects ex: bleach)

Sterilization

Most thorough method of killing microbes with steam heat or very strong chemicals. A process that destroys or eliminated all forms of microbial life. (Ex: steam autoclaves)

Why is Hand washing important?

To kill any pathogens that are on your hands

What is the proper way to wash your hands

Address client by name and introduces self to client by name

Turns on water at sink

Wets hands and wrists thoroughly

Lathers all surfaces of wrists, hands, and fingers producing friction for at least 20 seconds, keeping hands lower than elbows and finger tips down

Cleans finger nails by rubbing against palms of the opposite hand

Rinse all surfaces of wrists, hands and finger keeping hands lower than elbows and finger tips down

Uses clean, dry paper towels to dry all surfaces of fingers, hands, wrists starting as fingertips then disposes of paper towels into waste container

Uses clean, dry paper towel to turn off faucet the disposes the towel in waste container

Does not touch the sink at any time

When should a CNA wash their hands

Before and after patient care (always wash hands when they are visibly soiled)

How long should you wash your hands?

20 seconds

Define Chain of infection

Pathogen

Reservoir

Portal of exit

Method of transmission

Portal of entry

Susceptible host

Nosocomial infection (HAI)

Infections people get while they are in a hospital or healthcare facilities

Portal of entry

A way of a pathogen enters a susceptible host

Portal of exits

The way he pathogen leaves the reservoir

How can CNAs prevent the spread of infection

Washing hands

Why are nails prohibited in a healthcare facility

They are a breeding ground for bacteria

PPE

Personal protective equipment

What is the purpose of proper PPE removal

To avoid getting soiled and contaminated

Standard precaution

Precautions we use to take care of every patient (barrier methods like gloves)

Contact precautions

Used when caring for people with diseases caused by pathogens that are transmitted directly by touching the person or fomites (ex: mask gloves gown)

Airborne precautions

Used when carrying for people that have pathogens that are suspended into the air (ex: high filtration respirators)

Blood borne Pathogens

Blood borne pathogens are transmitted through blood or other body fluids (ex: hepatitis B, HIV)

Hepatitis B

Found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and effects the liver

Hepatitis A

Not bloodborne and is transmitted through the oral-fecal route (best way to prevent is by washing hands)

Body mechanisms

Efficient and safe use of the body

What muscles should a CNA use to life objects from the ground

Leg muscles, thigh muscles buttocks squat

What should a CNA do when lifting heavy objects

Hold heavy object close to you

What is the most common work related injury

Back Injuries

ABC’s of body mechanics

Alignment, balance, coordinated body movement

Alignment

God posture

Balance

Stability produced by the even distribution of weight

Coordinated body movement

Using weight of your body to help with movement

SDS

Saftey Data Sheet. Document that summarizes key information about a chemical

MSDS

Material Saftey Data Sheet previous name of SDS

What is SDS and MSDS used for?

to report and educate and inform workers about chemicals

RACE

R- remove patient

A- alarm

C- contain

E- extinguish or evacuate

PASS

P- pull he pin

A- aim the hose towards the base of fire

S- squeeze the handle

S-Spray fire extinguisher side to side

What technique does a CNA use when assisting a patient that is going to fall

Place your body behind, hold them close to your body, widen base of support, allows the person to slide down your body towards the floor, call for assistance